Although it has yet to announce such plans, Apple Computer is expected to have the largest presence of any exhibitor at this week's PhotoPlus Expo in Manhattan, AppleInsider has learned.

The three day conference targets the photographic and imaging industries and is scheduled to run from Oct 20th through Oct 22nd at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

In a very exclusive digital invite to members of the media last week, Apple announced that it would hold a special event inside the same venue on the eve of the expo to introduce its "latest pro innovations."

The invitations were black and contained an image of a large camera lens.

Sources familiar with Apple's product plans say the Mac maker is set to introduce new PowerBooks, Power Macs and make a significant photography-related product announcement at the event

Additionally, AppleInsider has now been told that Apple plans to hang around the PhotoPlus Expo for the three days that will follow (as an exhibitor). In fact, documents show the company to have registered booth number 338 -- the largest exhibition space on the show floor.

It appears that Apple has gone through extensive measures to keep its planned presence at the expo a secret until now, further fueling speculation as to what new products it plans to introduce and show.

Other exhibitors scheduled to have a large presence at PhotoPlus include Adobe, Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Epson, Olympus, Fuji, Nikon, and Kodak.

for the third time in ten weeks, Apple has scheduled a press event so as to announce new products, keeping a constant buzz on the companys product releases.

As we said in an earlier posting that predicted Apple was about to announce another wave of products, the most likely Mac families to be updated this week are PowerMacs and Powerbooks.

More recent reports tend to confirm that these two line-ups will be updated and suggest that the release of the new PowerMacs could be followed by an update on the Cinema Displays line-up. There is maybe something coming on the software side as well - and this time it has to do with photography.

We have had very little information about the forthcoming hardwares technical specifications. However, some of these characteristics are getting rather easy to guess.

PowerMacs:

Apple released a new iMac last week that includes new DDR400 memory and PCI-Express graphics. We can deduce that these characteristics will also be added to the new PowerMacs along with dual core PowerPC 970MP chips, at least for some of the models.

Earlier this year, evidence of the existence of dual-core support on some Apples developer utilities had been revealed by readers, while IBM also reckoned that the PowerPC 970MP chip exists.

We can expect dual-core and PCI-Express to arrive on the high-end PowerMacs at least and maybe also on the mid-range PowerMac.

Powerbooks:

As for the Powerbooks, the use of the MPC7448 PowerPC G4 processor from Freescale is also an obvious choice for Apple, considering that the MPC7447A that is used in the current product line has already hit or surpassed its clock speed limits. Additionally, it appears that this chip is now available in quantity. There is clearly no reason for Apple to not use this chip while there are a few reasons for the company to not use a G5 chip.

If we take a look on our earlier reports that deal with the Powerbooks, we have three reports we may consider.
- A reader had hinted in February that there was a mistake on the last generation Powerbooks manual, suggesting that Apple was working on Powerbooks with higher screen resolution.
- Sources have already mentioned late last year the possible use of the MPC7448 processor on future Powerbook lines late last year.
- Last year, we had reported that Apple may drop the 12? model for a new form factor in the future.

So we may expect a slightly faster Powerbook line up with higher resolution screens (up to 1440x970 for the 17?). The 12? Powerbook should disappear and maybe be replaced by another form factor that does not compete with the iBook.

Cinema Displays?

Back in late September, we had reported that new Cinema Displays were coming within the next two months. We may also infer some of the specifications of the new monitors by looking at the improvements of the new iMacs display.

If you compare the specs of the 20? inch iMacs screen and the Cinema Display 20?, youll notice that the iMacs screen contrast ratio is 800:1 and brightness is 280cd /m2 while the Cinema Display 20? has a 400:1 contrast ratio and 250cd /m2 brighness. Response time is not given for the iMacs screen while its 16ms (typical) for all the Cinema Displays.

So if theyre updated, the new displays will get at least improvements in terms of contrast ratio and maybe in response time. We wouldnt exclude the inclusion of an iSight although we had no reports about it. However, were quite certain that prices will drop significantly, especially on the entry and mid-range models.

Photo retouching software?

During the last weekend, we received an unconfirmed report claiming that Apple was on the verge of releasing a professional photo retouching application. Although it will have similar photo retouching features, the application is not believed to be a real competitor to Adobe Photoshop in terms of market targeting.

What we dont expect?

This event is clearly related to professional announcements, according to the invitation sent to the press, so we dont expect any iPod or entry-level Mac related announcements.

Although updated Mac minis have already started shipping to customers since late last month, we dont believe it will be part of the announcements. If the Mac mini is updated, we expect it to be done quietly, along with the re-opening of the online Apple Store at the special events end.

Rumor sites used to be able to get a hold of accurate computer spec info about 1 or 2 days before an event. But it seems lately that AI, ThinkSecret and MacRumors are just playing guessing games. ThinkSecret in particular doesn't seem to know shit about anything going on at Apple nowadays and contradicts itself 4 times before coming to a conclusion only hours before the event.

Right now, all the rumor sites have zero new information. They're just piecing together bits and pieces of old rumors that haven't come to fruition and hoping they'll hit the jackpot. All this info is already public and everyone has speculated on it weeks before the rumor sites actually post anything about it.

I'm surprised every rumor site is still guessing what will come out tomorrow. None of them have said, in all certainty, that, say, SoftwareX will come out or that HardwareY with SpecZ will come out.

Just an observation, within the past 12-18 months the upgrade manufacturers have been putting out boards with the latest from Moto/Freescale faster than Apple has. With Apple's transition to Intel I don't think that Freescale would hold back the chips for Apple, and since none of the upgrade manufacturers have anounced or even hinted at a 7448 board I don't think that the chips are ready yet. I think PB upgrades will at best hit the 2Ghz level with 7447 chips in them, and a quick transition to Intel at the end of the first quarter of next year.

Originally posted by fordai can't decide if the major new product that is related to photography is an application or hardware. you know an apple branded digital camera would be awesome...

Since this is a pro photo show it would have to be either a dSLR, or a digital Rangefinder. Either option implies interchangable lenses. How does Apple choose which lens interface to use? What possible innovation could Apple bring to the table for the professional that hasn't been addressed by Nikon and Canon(whose high end cameras are both highly regarded among professionals)?

No, the big "black hole" of functionality for professionals is speed of workflow and dealing with tens of thousands of images if not more. I expect Apple to heavily leverage Spotlight, whatever comes.

(Note I didn't mention Rangefinders. While they are wonderful cameras and underserved by the market, there is good reason for it. They are largely niche market cameras and not a viable market for Apple, I think, even with the smaller number/higher margin nature of pro gear.)

Originally posted by kim kap solRumor sites used to be able to get a hold of accurate computer spec info about 1 or 2 days before an event. But it seems lately that AI, ThinkSecret and MacRumors are just playing guessing games. ThinkSecret in particular doesn't seem to know shit about anything going on at Apple nowadays and contradicts itself 4 times before coming to a conclusion only hours before the event.

Right now, all the rumor sites have zero new information. They're just piecing together bits and pieces of old rumors that haven't come to fruition and hoping they'll hit the jackpot. All this info is already public and everyone has speculated on it weeks before the rumor sites actually post anything about it.

I'm surprised every rumor site is still guessing what will come out tomorrow. None of them have said, in all certainty, that, say, SoftwareX will come out or that HardwareY with SpecZ will come out.

This all makes it far more exciting honestly. It almost makes up for the lack of a live keynote feed... like we had in years past.

man, apple is so P*WNING right now! they have totally deprecated macworld NY and paris expo, clamped down on leaks, and become extremely strategic with their event based marketing.

as i used to work a little in event marketing, i can tell you that the crew that are responsible for PhotoPlus Expo are ecstatic about Apple taking up the largest booth though they are probably a bit nervous (and confused) about the huge secrecy. i have never ever heard of a major tech event in which some company booked the largest floor space and kept it so under wraps.

Originally posted by Corey
Doesn't sound like Steve to me. Gotta be something impressive. Either new PB/PM's or something entirely new.

Exactly. IBM could easily be done with an awesome sequel to the G5. Apple could easily have a digital camera and some awesome new photo software. Even the best G4 possible is still pretty yawnish... but Apple managed a very nice iMac upgrade with only a 100mhz bump... proving there are other many other ways to increase value and coolness beyond just processors.

but then again, everyone with low expectations will just be more excited tomorrow, so why not just go ahead and let them be low

there will be NO apple pro photo HARDWARE. NO cameras, unless you mean isight stuff.

People I don't mean to be a jerk, but Have any of you ever been to photopro? It's professionals, not kids, not ipod lovers, no imacs, but people who spend millions of dollars a year on high end 50k+ photo equipment.

Apple will release DAM software (digital asset management) and will not compete with Photoshop. You will see updated powerbooks, updated powermacs, YOU WILL NOT SEE an apple camera, rangefinder, strobe light, blacklight, or any sort of equipment you've ever dreamed of running at your beer party.

I'll be at photopro expo :-)

Quote:

Originally posted by ChevalierMalFetSince this is a pro photo show it would have to be either a dSLR, or a digital Rangefinder. Either option implies interchangable lenses. How does Apple choose which lens interface to use? What possible innovation could Apple bring to the table for the professional that hasn't been addressed by Nikon and Canon(whose high end cameras are both highly regarded among professionals)?

No, the big "black hole" of functionality for professionals is speed of workflow and dealing with tens of thousands of images if not more. I expect Apple to heavily leverage Spotlight, whatever comes.

(Note I didn't mention Rangefinders. While they are wonderful cameras and underserved by the market, there is good reason for it. They are largely niche market cameras and not a viable market for Apple, I think, even with the smaller number/higher margin nature of pro gear.)

I think there will be a photo-related announcement (or why keep the booth secret?) but it may not be one that's exciting outside that field.

There should be at least ONE exciting announcement--probably the PowerMacs.

Alongside that could be some lesser announcements, and I fear PowerBooks may fit that description. The BIG PowerBook news is Intel, and it's too soon for that.

I do NOT however think the 12" PowerBook is going away without something to replace it. If the 12 IS going, then I expect some new compact portable in January at the latest. Maybe a new 12" PB, maybe a 13", maybe something ultraportable and low-end: a new smaller iBook. But SOMETHING to meet the ultracompact market.

If whatever that is is NOT a PowerBook, then maybe the 15" PB will gain a lower-end, cheaper version... or the iBook will gain a higher-end version. Something to fill in the gap of having no low-end 12".

The simplest thing of course would simply be that the 12" is not changing at all Or that it IS changing, but wasn't ready for Wednesday. Maybe in a month there will be a new 12" to join its updated siblings.

agreed, I can't believe thinksecret posted that the 12" powerbook was "dying". It's being replaced with either 13" or 12widescreen, or smaller screen. Apple's not going to kill off something that is wildly successful.

Quote:

Originally posted by nagrommeI think there will be a photo-related announcement (or why keep the booth secret?) but it may not be one that's exciting outside that field.

There should be at least ONE exciting announcement--probably the PowerMacs.

Alongside that could be some lesser announcements, and I fear PowerBooks may fit that description. The BIG PowerBook news is Intel, and it's too soon for that.

I do NOT however think the 12" PowerBook is going away without something to replace it. If the 12 IS going, then I expect some new compact portable in January at the latest. Maybe a new 12" PB, maybe a 13", maybe something ultraportable and low-end: a new smaller iBook. But SOMETHING to meet the ultracompact market.

If whatever that is is NOT a PowerBook, then maybe the 15" PB will gain a lower-end, cheaper version... or the iBook will gain a higher-end version. Something to fill in the gap of having no low-end 12".

The simplest thing of course would simply be that the 12" is not changing at all Or that it IS changing, but wasn't ready for Wednesday. Maybe in a month there will be a new 12" to join its updates siblings.

sweet fancy moses, attention span in people must be dropping, because if you don't know that "photo pro" will be debuting in that fancy box thinksecret showed a while ago, there's just no hope for you. hello, mcfly! HELLO!!!! (knock, knock, knock)

and a dual-dualcore G5 will be plenty big to debut alongside it. i mean, hell, sure, intel boxes are coming, but DUAL DUALCORE? are you KIDDING me?!? that box gonna rox!

When you're lovers in a dangerous time,You're made to feel as if your love's a crime.Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight.Gotta kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight.

Originally posted by - J B 7 2 -I hope it's big. But if it's too big, what we they have left for MWSF?

Won't you agree that it's far better to intro stuff now instead of watching sales of the Pro gear by pros plummet even further and sitting on inventory. They can always cancel the keynote like they did Paris. Anyway MWSF is more of a consumer type event anyway.

Originally posted by webmailthere will be NO apple pro photo HARDWARE. NO cameras, unless you mean isight stuff.

People I don't mean to be a jerk, but Have any of you ever been to photopro? It's professionals, not kids, not ipod lovers, no imacs, but people who spend millions of dollars a year on high end 50k+ photo equipment.

Apple will release DAM software (digital asset management) and will not compete with Photoshop. You will see updated powerbooks, updated powermacs, YOU WILL NOT SEE an apple camera, rangefinder, strobe light, blacklight, or any sort of equipment you've ever dreamed of running at your beer party.

I'll be at photopro expo :-)

I think you missed the point of my post. I was trying to address the fact that there will be no photo hardware at the show, all bases covered, from Apple, without sounding like a jerk about it.

I agree with what a lot of people are saying here. It'll be a photo management program. iPhoto is not suitable for professional use and Adobe's solution isn't that good. The CS suite has photo (and file) management built in but it doesn't work as easily and as transparently as one would have hoped. If you want to do really simple stuff you have to deal with a lame flag system, constant window resizing to make everything fit etc. The browser program in CS applications feels forced. That's why it got replaced by adobe bridge. It's a way forward but still needs a lot of work. I can quite easily see Apple grabbing this market with their ease of use, an organic way of working with files and a trasparent integration with the adobe suite.
I guess we all have to wait and see

Originally posted by sjkA good event to announce AirPort A/V with H.264 support.

Yeah baby! I'm thinking some very cool and trick enhancements to the pro-line for sure but maybe not that trick just yet. Bustin dual Duals and a very respectable boost to the PB lineup along with some new techno tricks and pro software that I'll buy anyway.

After all, the spillage of "pro" stuff has done spilled to the iBook line... Time for some more new pro gear to keep the innovation lead and excitement flowing for another 5-6 months. Plus, go out with a bang before the Intel infusion.

How many NEW stores scheduled for 2006? What killer industry leading gadgets around the corner? Get some stock before the end of this year cause Apple's gonna rock the world... And I can't wait!!!!!!!!!